COLUMBIA – Nothing could outshine the performances of Sulllivan junior Dorie Richardson and Festus junior Mya Hairston Thursday, not even the sparkly, sequin outfit or glittery golden shoes of their coaches.
Richardson and Hairston each captured the first girls wrestling state titles for their respective schools during the Class 1 Missouri State High School Activities Association Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena.
And each wrestler excelled in her own, unique way.
In the 140-pound title match, Richardson led 2-1 late in the third period against Brookfield junior Riley Howell. Instead of peeking at the clock and hoping to cling to victory, she shot in for the clinching takedown with 21 seconds remaining and secured a 4-2 win.
All four of Richardson’s matches spanned at least 5 minutes 32 seconds, and the Sullivan junior became stronger and more confident as each match progressed.
“We practice going into the third period and past the third period if it gets to that. I always have enough energy, and I feel I can execute better and go longer than other girls,” Richardson said.
Richardson (38-3) placed sixth at 140-pounds as a sophomore, losing a tough semifinal match 11-10 in overtime to eventual champion Amitria McNack of Clinton.
“She was so close last year, and honestly, (that loss) is a blessing. It motivated her to get to this point,” Sullivan coach Brad Landwehr said.
In her semifinal match Thursday, Richardson led 3-2 in the third period when she pinned Marceline senior Payton Weese with less than 30 seconds remaining. As her hand was raised in victory, tears flowed down her face.
“The emotion really hit me hard there. It felt like such an accomplishment to not be going backwards, but going forward,” Richardson said.
No close shaves for Hairston
Festus junior Mya Hairston pushed full speed ahead from her first match to her last. She pinned all four opponents within two periods, including Sikeston junior Ellie Douglass 18 seconds into the second period to capture the state title.
“The whole time in my mind, I was just thinking, ‘Go, go, go, go, go,’” Hairston said.
Hairston (33-2) earned a sixth-place medal as a Windsor High freshman. She moved to Festus and immediately felt a connection with the wrestling program.
“Coming in and immediately having that anchor, something to tie onto, I think she had a really good transition,” Festus coach Jarad Sheppard said.
As a sophomore at Festus, Hairston placed fourth at state, losing her semifinal match in overtime to eventual champion Jade Brundige of Savannah.
“I made mistakes last year, and there were things I needed to work on technique-wise. This year I worked on my speed, changing directions and my mindset,” Hairston said.
That mindset was evident in her laser focus as the smoke machines puffed, the spotlights shined and the introductions boomed prior to her match.
“I was so focused, I don’t even remember any of that. I was in my own world, thinking about what I was going to do,” Hairston said.
After the match, however, Hairston was crystal clear on what she was going to do.
“I really want to get a cheeseburger and lie down,” she said. “It doesn’t feel real yet. I’ll probably wake up tomorrow and say, ‘Wait, I won state.’”
Bergthold defeats Benwell in battle of state champions
Holt senior Cassidy Benwell’s quest to become a three-time champion escaped her grasp in the final moments of the 120-pound championship match Thursday.
Southern Boone senior Callie Bergthold, the defending 115-pound champion, trailed 2-1 late in the third period as Benwell attempted to smother her and the remaining time. But with Bergthold nearing an escape, Benwell was assessed a stalling penalty which tied the score.
Eight seconds later, Bergthold escaped the grasp of Benwell and won the match 3-2. It was the second escape point earned by Bergthold, who could not find a way to wriggle free from Benwell in a 2-0 loss in the District Tournament two weeks earlier.
“After districts, I really worked on bottom (position), because that is where I struggled. I didn’t escape once at districts,” said Bergthold, who will continue her wrestling career at Colorado Mesa.
She added, “It’s really special for me to go out with a win my last match of high school.”
Fashion Statement
Sullivan assistant coach Heidi Blankenship sported a sequin outfit as she sat in her niece Richardson’s corner and cheered her to a state title.
“Last year was my first year here and I was not aware of the etiquette. I planned for this all year. I was not going to be underdressed this time,” she said.
The Festus’ coaches matched outfits, with golden vests and sparkling, golden shoes. They also had a front row seat to witness Hairston capture a state title.
“We’re trying to do something fun, something different every year. It’s going to be tough to top this, but my brain is already running as to what we’re going to do next year,” Sheppard said.
Other local state placers include: St. Charles sophomore Cecile Puati (5th at 100), St. Clair junior Janessa Avila (6th at 105), De Soto freshman Cheyenne Kincade (4th at 110), Westminster junior Kyndal Brown (6th at 120), Wright City senior Elizabeth Riggs (3rd at 125), Pacific senior Zoe Fisher (5th at 125), St. Clair junior Jossie Hopkins (4th at 130), St. Clair senior Audrey DeClue (5th at 135), Festus freshman Trinity Butler (6th at 135), Herculaneum senior Eddyson Reeves (5th at 140), De Soto senior Ella Bradley (5th at 155), Holt junior Isabella Winingear (6th at 235).